Westside Gunn Announces New Album Heelmatic

Emerging once again from the Buffalo hip-hop scene, Westside Gunn has announced the release of his forthcoming album Heelmatic, set for November 13 via Griselda Records in partnership with Mass Appeal. Known for blending gritty street narratives with jazz-inflected production, Gunn continues to explore his distinct sound on this project, which he describes as a fusion of raw, soulful, and grime-inspired elements.

The album rollout gained momentum with the lead single “Zilla,” accompanied by a visually striking music video filmed in Egypt. The clip showcases Gunn performing against iconic backdrops such as the Great Pyramid and desert landscapes, a thematic choice that underscores the album’s adventurous and cinematic quality. Although initially shared on Instagram earlier this year, the video was officially released on YouTube recently, expanding its reach.

Heelmatic arrives after a prolific period in Gunn’s career, during which he released a trio of mixtapes in 2025: 12, Heels Have Eyes 2, and Heels Have Eyes 3. These projects helped solidify his reputation for delivering compelling narratives paired with meticulously crafted beats. With Heelmatic, he appears to further refine this approach, promising a record that balances grime, jazz, and soulful textures with his signature streetwise lyricism.

The tracklist reveals a 16-song journey featuring titles that evoke Gunn’s characteristic blend of luxury branding and street imagery. Tracks like “Grant Heel,” “Blowdysseus,” and “Egyptian Cadillac” suggest a continuation of his thematic focus on opulence, struggle, and resilience. This intricate interplay of motifs aligns with his history of embedding cultural references and personal anecdotes within his music.

Following the album release, Westside Gunn is scheduled to embark on the Heel the World Tour 2: “Still Healing,” which will take him across the UK and various European cities in early 2025. The tour itinerary includes stops at notable venues such as La Madeleine in Brussels, O2 Academy Bristol, and the SWG3 in Glasgow, among others. This extensive run highlights Gunn’s growing international presence and the global demand for his music.

Fans will have the opportunity to experience the new album live in major cities, including Dublin, Zurich, Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Hamburg, Warsaw, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. The tour not only marks a significant promotional push for Heelmatic but also cements Gunn’s role as a formidable figure within the wider hip-hop community.

Heelmatic’s release and subsequent tour represent a strategic expansion of Westside Gunn’s artistic vision. By integrating elements of jazz and soulful production with grime and street narratives, he offers a compelling alternative within contemporary hip-hop. The Egyptian-themed visuals and international tour dates further emphasize his intent to craft a culturally rich and globally resonant body of work.

While details about potential collaborations or producers involved remain undisclosed, the available information from pitchfork.com paints a picture of an artist deepening his creative roots while broadening his audience. As listeners await Heelmatic’s arrival, the anticipation is bolstered by the blend of musical innovation and thematic depth that Westside Gunn has become known for.

In sum, Heelmatic stands as a significant addition to Westside Gunn’s discography, promising a cohesive and immersive listening experience that is bolstered by a robust touring schedule. This phase of his career underscores a commitment to both artistic evolution and global outreach, positioning him for continued impact within the genre.